Get personalized info on veterinary career training at a campus near you.
During the Ross Veterinary Assistant program, students will be instructed to function as an assistant to a Veterinarian and/or Veterinary Technician. They should complete the program with an understanding of veterinary ethics and law, animal anatomy and physiology, terminology, animal care activities, and technology and equipment used.
Experienced training school instructors will give direction on software used, medical records and documentation, and administrative/clerical procedures and duties. A graduate of this program should be prepared to work in an entry-level position in an animal clinic or hospital.
Veterinary assistants fill a crucial position. They work under the direction of a technician or a veterinarian and also alongside them during a variety of procedures. They are often responsible for providing routine care for animals like bathing or feeding. They also clean and sterilize all tools and operating and exam rooms before and after a procedure. At some offices, veterinary assistants will assist in the preparation of surgical patients, taking X-rays, and assist in the preparation of diagnostic lab procedures.
After completing their classroom modules in the school training program, students will begin their externship experience. This is an extremely important and meaningful aspect of the program as it gives students an opportunity to practice their skills in a veterinary office setting with other professionals. It also allows local employers to assess students' skills before making hiring decisions.
In recognition of the contributions veterinary assistants make to the practice team and to the health of pets, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation.
Upon graduation from a NAVTA approved veterinary assistant program, students are eligible to sit for the Approved Veterinary Assistant designation examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student would be entitled to use the designation AVA and would receive a documenting certificate.
Currently, all of the Ross campuses that offer the Veterinary Assistant Program are NAVTA approved and the graduates can take the exam on campus, which is paid for by Ross.
Ross has helped me to pursue my career as a Pharmacy Technician with great instructors who take the time to help you succeed in every aspect.
Lovonia Weatherspoon Graduate Pharmacy Technician student at Ontario, OH campus Graduation: May 8, 2019
The experience I have had at Ross has been great! I am lucky to have such a wonderful and helpful person as a teacher like Ms. Jenny. Ross has a very friendly, positive, supportive, and productive environment. Really the entire staff has been supportive, accommodating, sympathetic, and comforting throughout my learning process. They are all great leaders, which better prepares me to become a great leader myself once I get out in the dental field. Every day at Ross is a day full of laughs and smiles.
Lindsey Massey Graduate Dental Assistant student at Johnson City, TN campus Graduation: May 28, 2019
My name is Alyson Harris. I am currently enrolled in the Medical Assistant course at Ross Medical Education Center. I think Ross Medical Education Center is a wonderful place to learn, not only because of the job preparation and knowledge they give you, but also because of the care from the staff and the close friendships formed that becomes your support system all through your education. The dedication of the instructors to give you the best learning experience possible shows through all the extra work put in to help us succeed in all aspects of the course. Going back to school was a difficult decision for me but Ross has made it so much easier. That is why I would recommend attending any of their programs to anyone just beginning their college education or looking for a career change.
Alyson Harris Graduate Medical Assistant student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
My name is Robin. I started at Ross in September 2018. Enrolling for a medical assistant has been very challenging but so very rewarding. It's been the best academic experience of my life. I could not have picked a better school for myself and my needs. The staff has been amazing!
Robin Whalen Graduate Medical Assistant student at Flint, MI campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
Ross is a great school filled with awesome instructors! I've learned so much from my instructor, Miss. Michelle. I've never had a teacher so educated, involved, or dedicated to their students. There is no program I'd rather be in than dental and I cannot wait to start my lifelong career in this field. There's never a boring day in dental and there is no school I'd rather be enrolled in than Ross.
Taylor Powell Graduate Dental Assistant student at Niles, OH campus Graduation: April 27, 2020The Veterinary Assistant program at Ross consists of six modules. During each of the modules, students will be instructed on important information and skills needed for working as a professional in the field.
View course curriculum detailsThis course teaches the fundamentals of medical language and will instruct students on prefixes, suffixes, definitions, and uses of veterinary terms.
Students will gain an understanding of the computer-based elements of a veterinary office. Keyboarding, computer skills, and financial literacy will be learned.
This course teaches the fundamentals of animal restraint and handling, such as the different types of ropes and knots as they pertain to animal restraint. Students will learn proper positioning procedures and the veterinary terminology that goes along with the techniques.
Students will be introduced to the history and standards of veterinary medicine and will gain a familiarity with the roles of those on a veterinary team. Instructors will cover professional ethics and the sensitive topic of euthanasia.
Students will be instructed on the use of pharmaceuticals in a veterinary office. Legal issues, proper packaging, handling, and storage techniques, and administration will be discussed. Students will learn to identify different groups and types of drugs.
The foundational study of anatomy and physiology is presented, particularly for dogs and cats, as well as for certain farm animals and other domestic animals.
Students will be familiarized with common diseases and medical conditions affecting cats and dogs that result in visits to the vet. Diseases and conditions that affect other domestic and farm animals are also discussed.
This course teaches the fundamentals of examination room protocol. Cleaning, disinfecting, documenting medical history, and monitoring vital signs are some of the skills taught throughout the class. Students will also learn vaccination protocols.
In this class, students will be instructed on the fundamentals of small animal care. Students will learn how to identify breeds of dogs and cats, and learn how to provide preventative care, such as nutrition, socialization, bathing, nail clipping, and dental hygiene.
Students will gain a basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, including recording laboratory results and identifying common parasites. Students will be instructed on how to collect and process urine and fecal samples.
Students will be instructed on the skills necessary for the veterinary assistant to serve animal hospital staff before, during, and after a surgical procedure. Techniques for how to properly maintain medical asepsis, position patients, and dispose of medical waste are taught in this course.
In this course, students will develop an appreciation for the animal/human bond. Students will learn documentation and maintaining of records, as well as inventory restocking procedures and safety measures and precautions.
